Embracing individual strengths through the Harry Potter model

Although we take our clients and work very seriously, once you get to know us, you’ll start to see another (sometimes sillier) side to our team. By a different side, I don’t mean a Jekyll and Hyde kind of scenario, instead I’m referring to the quirks and characteristics that create the identity of the WorkPR team.

We’ve recently added another designer to our ranks following a series of new business wins, and as our team continues to grow, the diversity of the group continues to evolve. While professional experience and expertise is obviously important, we’re also firm believers that a combination of personalities and interests can create a team with substance.

This post isn’t to be confused with a comparison of music interests and films, I’m talking more about the fundamental difference of characters, the approach of each of our team members and how this relates to the services we deliver.

What is the Potter model?

My way of describing this combination of characters is through the Harry Potter model. It may seem a bit random, and you wouldn’t be totally at fault for thinking that, but a recent office conversation between the die-hard Potter-heads had everyone thinking what houses we would all be in.

If you’re unfamiliar with the books and films – which is an Azkaban-worthy offence for those who do know what I’m talking about – the four Hogwarts houses are Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.

Without going into too much detail and overwhelming you with Potter-related info, the four houses each represent different characteristics that ultimately determine which house individual students will represent.

Whether it’s being cunning or resourceful in the case of Slytherin students or intelligent and wit for those representing Ravenclaw, the experiences of each fictional character are often shaped by their house selection – a reflection of their true character and personality.

Taking the test

For those obsessed with Harry Potter, there’s a way to determine which house you would have been selected for, using the official Pottermore website.

Although not everyone within WorkPR has had the opportunity to take the test, we have discovered that Ben and I would have represented Hufflepuff and Laura would have worn the famous red robes of Gryffindor, as worn by Harry in the series.

If you’re wondering which traits represent those two houses, Gryffindor is bravery and daring and Hufflepuff is hard-working and humble – just putting that out there!

Looking to the future…

Joking aside, the traits and characteristics of the people within a business will undoubtedly impact the success that is enjoyed by the team, utilising different personalities, interests and approaches to unlock new opportunities moving forward.

While adding experience to our team is crucial in order to enhance our existing service offering, it’s crucial to balance this with the need for positive individuals that our clients and colleagues can interact with on a personal level.

As we continue to attract new clients, the journey to develop our existing team is still ongoing, demonstrating our commitment to developing team members and adding new personnel to offer better support at all levels of the business.

Although there may not be broomsticks and spells within the WorkPR office, there’s no shortage of talent and a diverse range of characters that have helped us enjoy a very successful 2018!